While
the nation is focusing in on the presidential election next week, CBS
News has just learned about a potential terror threat for the day
before we choose our next president.

Sources
told CBS News senior investigative producer Pat Milton that U.S.
intelligence has alerted joint terrorism task forces of the
possibility that al Qaeda is planning attacks in three states for
Monday.

New
York, Texas and Virginia have all been reported as targets, though no
specific locations have been mentioned. A U.S. law enforcement source
told reporters that the threat is possibly legitimate and concerning.
The source also confirmed the threat may be aspirational.

There
has reportedly been pressure on the terrorist organization and its
affiliates AQAP and AQIS to regain relevance with its mission.

U.S.
authorities are already taking the threat seriously, though its
credibility has not been confirmed.

“While
we do not comment on intelligence matters, we will say the
counterterror

ism
and homeland security communities remain vigilant and well-postured
to defend against attacks here in the United States,” a U.S.
intelligence official told CBS News. “The FBI and DHS, working with
our federal, state and local counterparts, share and assess
intelligence on a daily basis and will continue to work closely with
law enforcement and intelligence community partners to identify and
disrupt any potential threat to public safety…As we have long said,
in this environment, homegrown violent extremists could strike with
little or no notice. Our concern that violent extremists could be
inspired to conduct attacks inside the U.S. has not diminished.”

The
official then gave suggestions to the public.

“The
public should expect to continue to observe an increased law
enforcement and security presence across communities in public
places,” they argued. “Our law enforcement community also
continues to take action against those who attempt to engage in
activities that could put Americans at risk. There are more than 100
Joint Terrorism Task Forces at work across the country in partnership
with state and local law enforcement to prevent attacks in the
homeland.”

The
New York Police Department also weighed in on the threats, confirming
it was working with intelligence agencies and the Joint Terrorism
Task Force.

With
Election Day right around the corner, federal law enforcement is
planning for multiple worst-case scenarios. Polling places could be
the target of lone-wolf attacks.